Inhaling Toxic Fumes
Toxic exposure to fumes is a serious concern at any jobsite where potentially harmful, substances might contact the skin, eyes or become inhaled. Inhaling toxic fumes causes many workers to suffer especially traumatic and costly injuries, and in worst-case scenarios death. In many cases, the extent of injuries often go undetected for years.
About a fifth of all workers in New Jersey are exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals while on the job, according to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA). In New Jersey as well as other states, exposure to toxic chemicals, including inhaling toxic fumes, is one of the most common causes of workplace deaths.
Many occupations in New Jersey place workers in proximity of potentially harmful substances that could cause serious injuries or death. Among common sources of toxic substances and fumes in New Jersey workplaces are:
- Zinc
- Ammonia
- Aluminum
- Arsenic
- Benzene
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Pesticides
- Uranium
- Mercury
- Petrol
- Chloroform
About 10 percent of all workplace fatalities happen because of exposure to toxic chemicals. That exposure usually occurs through contact with the skin or eyes, inhaling toxic fumes or accidentally ingesting toxic substances. Those working in industrial capacities are particularly at-rick of inhalation injuries and death, as are firefighters and others who commonly respond to destructive events that produce toxic fumes. Toxic exposure, though, can occur slowly over a period of time, which can be more difficult to detect and determine specific causes.
The many diseases and serious ailments that inhaling toxic fumes might cause include:
- Respiratory illness
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Neurological damage
- Mesothelioma
- Damage to the central nervous system
- Chemical burns
- Skin disease
- Damage to various organs
In general, workers’ compensation insurance covers workplace injuries and deaths caused by inhaling toxic fumes and other exposure to toxic substances. Unfortunately, the causes might not always be readily apparent, and an experienced workplace injury attorney can help ensure victims get compensated to the fullest extent the law allows. If you or someone you love was injured at work, in South Jersey or Philadelphia, contact the experienced legal team at Petrillo and Goldberg.
